When You Are In A DUI-Related Car Crash: What You Should Know
by Susie Torres
When you are out for a night on the town or go to a friend's house to have some drinks, you more than likely do not plan on getting behind the wheel of the car while you are intoxicated. However, if it does happen and you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you will have a great deal of trouble coming your way. Get to know what you should do when you have been involved in a DUI-related car accident so that you can better handle the situation and protect your interests in the process.
Do Not Resist Law Enforcement When They Arrive
Being intoxicated and getting into an accident when you are behind the wheel is trouble enough. You do not want to add resisting arrest, or worse, aggravated assault or assault on an officer, obstructing an investigation, or any other charges to the mix. The more trouble you cause at the scene of the accident, the worse you are going to make things for yourself later.
As such, be cooperative with law enforcement when they arrive. This does not mean you have to confess to anything or provide a statement without an attorney present, but do not be aggressive or uncooperative with them. It will help you in the long run.
Consult with a DUI Attorney ASAP
Do not assume that you will be able to get the charges dropped or deal with the situation on your own when you are being charged with a DUI and are also dealing with the resulting motor vehicle accident that you were in. Hire a DUI attorney as soon as possible to be sure that you have the best chance of getting a fair deal from the court.
A DUI conviction can have a major impact on your life, especially if it is not your first. It can affect job prospects, your insurance, and the perception that your family and friends have of you. Be sure to take these charges seriously and hire the best lawyer you can for the situation.
Do Not Refuse Settlement Offers That Are Tolerable
Oftentimes, the state would prefer that your DUI case does not go to a courtroom trial. As such, the state prosecutor will likely be willing to work with your DUI attorney to come up with a possible plea bargain or deal.
Do not immediately dismiss a plea deal thinking that you have a better chance of winning in a court case that goes to trial. Be practical and seriously consider a deal that would get you probation, an interlock device or a temporary license suspension rather than the possibility of jail time. This is especially important if you can plea to lesser charges that may not affect you as adversely in the long run.
Now that you know some of the steps to take when you have been in a DUI-related car accident, you can be sure that you do everything necessary to protect yourself following a major mistake.
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After you are involved in a serious car accident, you might feel confused about what to do next. In order to feel like yourself again, you might be tempted to try to go about your daily activities, only to come across loads of challenges. In addition to focusing on your own recovery, you might also be left wondering what to do about medical bills, pushy insurance adjusters, and annoying family members. However, the right lawyer can help you to find your way. My name is Dan, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to recover from a bad injury. Read my website to learn how proper legal representation can simplify your journey.